Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this smoky, flavorful twist on classic bacon! Perfect for serving at your next backyard BBQ or as a mouth-watering snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound thick-cut bacon
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
• In a small bowl, mix together bourbon, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Dip each strip of bacon into the bourbon BBQ mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
• Place bacon strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and caramelized.
• Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Popular questions:

• Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut?
  While thick-cut bacon is recommended for a meatier texture, you can certainly use regular bacon if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Is there a substitute for bourbon?
  If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute apple cider vinegar or apple juice for the bourbon to add a tangy flavor.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
  You can prepare the bourbon BBQ mixture and marinate the bacon ahead of time, but it’s best to bake the bacon just before serving for optimal crispiness.
• How do I store leftover bacon?
  Store any leftover bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick snack.
• Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?
  Feel free to experiment with different flavors of BBQ sauce to customize the taste of your bacon. Spicy, sweet, or tangy sauces all work well.
• What can I serve with bourbon BBQ bacon?
  Pair this bacon with eggs for a hearty breakfast, add it to a sandwich for a flavorful touch, or crumble it over salads for a smoky crunch.
• Can I make this recipe on the grill?
  You can definitely cook the bacon on the grill for an added smoky flavor. Use indirect heat and watch closely to prevent burning.
• What type of brown sugar should I use?
  Either light or dark brown sugar will work in this recipe. Dark brown sugar will add a richer flavor to the bacon.
• How do I adjust the seasonings to my taste?
  Feel free to adjust the amount of smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to suit your personal preferences. Taste the mixture before coating the bacon.
• Can I add extra ingredients to the BBQ mixture?
  You can customize the bourbon BBQ mixture by adding hot sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, or even a splash of maple syrup for extra dimension.

Helpful tips:

• For a crispy finish, broil the bacon for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
• To add a kick of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper on top before baking.
• Drizzle a little extra bourbon BBQ sauce on top of the cooked bacon for a finishing touch.
• Try adding a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on the bacon for a savory twist.
• For a smokier flavor, use hickory-smoked bacon or add a drop of liquid smoke to the bourbon BBQ mixture.
• Experiment with different types of BBQ sauce, such as honey BBQ or chipotle BBQ, for unique flavor profiles.
• Serve the bourbon BBQ bacon alongside scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast or on a charcuterie board for a savory snack.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the amount of brown sugar in the BBQ mixture.
• Consider marinating the bacon in the bourbon BBQ mixture overnight for even more intense flavor.
• For a smoky and sweet combo, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top of the bacon before baking.

Expert Secrets:

• Bringing the bacon to room temperature before cooking allows it to cook more evenly and retain moisture.
• For a more intense bourbon flavor, add a splash of bourbon to the bacon halfway through baking.
• For a thicker glaze, reduce the bourbon BBQ sauce mixture in a saucepan before coating the bacon.
• To prevent bacon from curling up during cooking, lightly score the fat side of the strips before marinating.
• To make cleanup easier, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and lay the bacon on the rack.
• For a touch of sweetness, sprinkle a little maple syrup on top of the bacon during the last few minutes of baking.
• Enhance the smoky flavor by using a blend of smoked paprika and chipotle powder in the seasoning mixture.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the bourbon BBQ sauce.
• To achieve a perfectly crispy texture, bake the bacon at a slightly lower temperature for a longer period of time.
• For a gourmet presentation, garnish the bourbon BBQ bacon with fresh herbs or chopped green onions before serving.